Between 1961–1964, thirty-nine newborns with transient neonatal hypoglycemia (Group I) were matched with 41 controls (Group II) on the basis of 9 weighted clinical criteria. On-going medical and social service care was provided and yearly EEG's, neurological and psychological examinations were done. Computer analysis indicated the infants to be well matched according to medical criteria as well as socio-economic background. The incidence of R.D.S., sepsis, hyperbilirubinemia, polycythemia and C.N.S. problems was similar in both groups. Nevertheless, the clinical course of Group I was more severe due to the manifestations of hypoglycemia. Recurrent hypoglycemia was seen in 4 children; there were no deaths in either group. The follow-up data on physical development indicate that Group I showed a significant lag in height and weight until 3 years of age, after which both groups were in the 25th percentile. Head size, significantly smaller at birth in Group I, remained below the 3rd percentile at age 6. An analysis of 214 EEG's failed to reveal any significant differences in abnormalities between the groups. Stanford-Binet scores at age 5 showed a mean IQ of 87 ± 4 in Group I (22) vs 94 ± 4 in Group II (20) children. At age 6, the mean IQ was 88 ± 4 in Group (14) and 96 ± 3 in Group II (18) children. These differences are not significant. W.I.S.C. scores at age 5 and 6 were similar in both groups. To date, the prompt and vigorous treatment of symptomatic neonatal hypoglycemia would appear to obviate marked differences in development.
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